Having Our Hard Work Respected: The Working People Weekly List

Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.

Growing in the Cannabis Industry: “Those of you who follow our updates a little more closely than the average partner might have noticed that over the past year or more, we’ve talked a lot about our successes in organizing in one particular industry: legal cannabis. In January, I was fortunate enough to attend one of our first ever bargaining sessions with a cannabis employer. As we continue to grow by leaps and abounds in this industry—we have yet another election in just over a week—I think it’s time we discussed it in detail so anyone with questions can understand why there’s been a strong focus on these workers.”

Workers at José Andrés’ The Bazaar Say They Want to Form Union: “Workers at José Andrés’ flashy D.C. restaurant The Bazaar have announced their intention to form a union with Unite Here Local 25. The union announcement did not say how many employees would be included, but the restaurant has a large staff. The union said it would include a range of jobs, including hosts, food runners, cooks, waiters, bartenders and more. Bloomberg reports it would cover about 140 employees. The union says a ‘supermajority’ of employees supported the move. It seeks management to voluntarily recognize their union.”

U.S. ‘Avatar’ Workers Vote to Unionize in Boost for VFX Organizing Effort: “U.S.-based visual effects artists who help bring James Cameron’s 'Avatar' epics to life have voted to unionize in a National Labor Relations Board election. Of an eligible 88 workers at Walt Disney Studios subsidiary TCF U.S. Productions 27 Inc., who assist with productions for Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, 57 voted to join the union and 19 voted against, while two ballots were void. These workers include creatures costume leads and environment artists as well as others in the stage, environments, render, post viz, sequence, turn over and kabuki departments.”

Chicago Tribune’s Unionized Newsroom Staff to Go on Historic 24-Hour Strike Thursday: ‘Enough Is Enough’: “In what’s believed to be a first in Chicago newspaper history, reporters and other newsroom staffers at the Chicago Tribune plan to go on strike Thursday, joining hundreds of other Tribune Publishing employees in a nationwide action after years of contract negotiations. More than 200 journalists and production workers at seven newsrooms across the country are participating in the 24-hour strike to demand fair wages and that management not eliminate their 401(k) match benefits, according to a news release from The NewsGuild-CWA, which represents the employees.”

The Onion Union Reaches Tentative Deal with Management, Averting Strike: “A strike has been averted at The Onion and several of its sister publications, at least for now. Hours before their current labor agreement was set to expire, The Onion union—representing staffers at The Onion, Onion Labs, The A.V. Club, Deadspin and The Takeout—reached a tentative deal on a new contract with owners G/O Media. According to union, affiliated with the Writers Guild of America East, the new agreement ‘made important gains in wages and workplace protections.’ No other details were immediately available.”

Culinary Union Reaches Deal with Plaza, 13 Resorts Still Without Contracts: “The Culinary Union said a tentative new five-year contract has been reached with the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas. News of the deal came in early Wednesday morning. The union says the agreement covers about 250 hospitality workers. This comes just hours after Culinary announced a tentative agreement with Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip.”

Advocacy Group for Retirees Endorses Biden in Re-Election Bid: “A grassroots group advocating for retired Americans endorsed President Biden in his re-election bid Tuesday, citing his accomplishments that have benefitted seniors during his first term in office. The board of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), a nonprofit group with more than 4 million members founded by the AFL-CIO, voted Tuesday to make the endorsement official, according to a release provided exclusively to The Hill.”

Duke Raleigh Hospital Maintenance Workers Vote to Join a Union: “‘We’re just trying to provide for our families, be treated fairly, and have our hard work respected,’ said Duke Raleigh worker Corey Brown in a press release from the state AFL-CIO. ‘People have kids, houses, and lives at stake, and before the hospital could do pretty much whatever they wanted. Now we will have the power to secure our future together.’”

Pitt Graduate Workers Request Union Recognition: “Graduate workers at Pitt are asking for voluntary recognition of their union, claiming majority support for collective bargaining. Hundreds of graduate workers, United Steelworkers organizers and unaffiliated supporters gathered on the first floor of the Cathedral of Learning Tuesday to deliver a letter to Chancellor Joan Gabel with a request.”

Union Members Secure Wage Increases at West Michigan Harding's Stores: “Union workers at Harding's stores in Hartford voted to ratify a new contract Friday. Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951, or UFCW, voted on Jan. 26 in favor of a three-year agreement for Harding's Store #965 that would feature significant wage increases for employees.”

Columbus Museum of Art Becomes First Ohio Museum to Ratify Union Contract: “The Columbus Museum of Art announced Tuesday it has ratified its first contract with AFSCME Ohio Council 8. The museum is the first in Ohio to ratify a union contract. Brooke Minto, the museum's executive director and CEO, said in a released statement, ‘The Columbus Museum of Art is happy to have reached its first collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Ohio Council 8. This commitment signifies a mutual desire between both parties to achieve an agreement that is both equitable for our colleagues and economically viable for the organization.’”

Biden Orders U.S. Contractors to Reveal Salary Ranges in Job Ads: “The Biden administration plans to require companies with federal government contracts to disclose expected salary ranges in job postings, as part of a broader effort to boost race and gender pay equity. U.S. contractors, as well as federal agencies, will also be prohibited from using a job applicant’s compensation history to set their starting pay. ‘These new actions adopt commonsense policies that will help pay millions of workers fairly, close gender and racial wage gaps, and yield tangible benefits for the federal government and federal contractors,’ President Joe Biden said in a statement coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. That law overturned a U.S. Supreme Court decision that restricted when workers could file pay discrimination complaints.”

Brown Prepared to Voluntarily Recognize Postdoc Union Pending Signature Validation: “The University will recognize the Brown Postdoc Labor Organization—the first dedicated union on campus for postdoctoral researchers and Dean’s Faculty Fellows—provided the signatories in BPLO’s petition for unionization are validated by federal mediators. BPLO filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations board Dec. 28, roughly three weeks after they announced their intention to unionize. In administering the petition, organizers seek to demonstrate that they have enough support to form a union, according to Caroline Keroack, a postdoctoral research associate and BPLO organizer.”

Sports Illustrated Union Files Labor Grievance Over Mass Layoffs: “The union representing the staff of Sports Illustrated filed an unfair labor practice charge against the magazine’s publisher, alleging it engaged in illegal union-busting tactics when it sent layoff notices to all of the unionized staff, according to a copy of the complaint reviewed by The Washington Post. According to the complaint, the NewsGuild alleges Arena fired employees because of their ‘support of the Union engagement in Union activities and/or engagement in other protected activities.’”

500 Nurses at Chicago Area Hospital Plan Third Strike Since August: “Hundreds of nurses at a hospital in Joliet could be walking off the job again next week. The 500 union nurses at Ascension Saint Joseph in Joliet notified the hospital on Monday they plan to walk off the job for two days on Feb. 8 and 9. The same nurses also went on strike twice last year—in August and November—amid a contract standoff with management. The nurses said they're upset Ascension has implemented the terms of its ‘last, best and final’ contract offer, which the union rejected in December, claiming it failed to deal with their concerns over staffing.”

WSU’S Coalition of Academic Student Employees Ratifies Its First Contract: “At academic institutions nationwide, student workers continue to organize. Student staff at Washington State University are the latest to get a big win. The Coalition of Academic Student Employees has ratified its first union contract. With the agreement, student employees will get paid vacation for the first time, as well as earn six weeks of paid parental leave.”

Local Transit Union Members Are Near-Unanimous in Vote to Strike for Better Wages: “Bus drivers, mechanics and other members of the transit union voted to authorize a strike as they seek better pay and more safeguards in a new contract with their employer. Union members were able to vote through 6 a.m. on Friday. We've now learned the majority of those union members voted to strike rather than accept the latest contract offer from Transdev, which runs our public bus system for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.”

Down East Community Hospital Nurses Rally for Improved Working Conditions and Patient Safety: “Nurses and technicians at Down East Community Hospital are holding rallies this weekend to call attention to the chronic staffing shortage at the facility that they say is a safety issue. They're part of the Maine State Nurses Association and have been bargaining for a new contract since last September.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/05/2024 - 14:12

Black History Month Profiles: Vonda Wilkins

This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Vonda Wilkins of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Vonda Wilkins is a proud union member and area vice president from CWA Local 7019 in Phoenix. Wilkins worked with other CWA members to successfully demand that her employer, Lumen Technologies, designate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday for all employees. A member of the CWA national committee on Civil Rights & Equity, she has also facilitated training on how to build an anti-racist union. Wilkins' involvement in her union and other community groups is a testament to her unwavering dedication to social justice.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:21

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Culinary Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with Downtown Grand Las Vegas; Strike Averted

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The UNITE HERE Culinary Union reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract with the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino for nearly 200 hospitality workers. The contract took more than two years to fully achieve and there were thousands of workers who participated in rallies, protests, civil disobedience, picketing, surveys, picket sign making, strike voting, and delegations inside the properties. The contract secures historic protections and significant wage increases.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:05

Economy Gains 353,000 Jobs in January; Unemployment Unchanged at 3.7%

The U.S. economy gained 353,000 jobs in January, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

January's biggest job gains were in professional and business services (+74,000), health care (+70,000), retail trade (+45,000), social assistance (+30,000), manufacturing (+23,000), government (+36,000), and information (+15,000). Employment declined in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (-5,000). Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including construction, wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, financial activities, leisure and hospitality, and other services.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (10.6%), Black Americans (5.3%), Hispanics (5.0%), adult men (3.6%), White Americans (3.4%), adult women (3.2%), and Asian Americans (2.9%), showed little or no change in January.

The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was little changed in January and accounted for 20.8% of the total number of people unemployed.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/02/2024 - 11:07

Black History Month Profiles: Kayleen Williams

This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Kayleen Williams of OPEIU.

Kayleen Williams is an executive board member and longtime steward of OPEIU Local 11 who has worked at NW Natural for more than 40 years. “Black History Month means honoring those ancestors who have gone before you, whether it’s Martin Luther King Jr., Henry Louis Gates, Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass or Fannie Lou Hamer.” With her union, she said, “You don’t fight alone, you fight as one body. The words ‘in solidarity’ mean something—it means you fight together, you stand together.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/02/2024 - 11:00

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: 400 Workers at Auto Supplier Antolin Vote Overwhelmingly to Join UAW

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Nearly 400 workers at Antolin Interiors USA in Howell, Michigan, voted overwhelmingly to join International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 163. The workers, who make instrument panels and door panels for Ford, General Motors, Stellantis and Paccar, organized to stand united and have a voice against management as a whole, to be on common ground, to work together rather than against each other and to gain more respect.

“Our organizing efforts at Antolin Howell have been successful. Our members chose to organize after many losses to the company,” said James Matheny, a materials worker. “We lose eight hours per week of our weekly total if we have a day off or even a holiday. Favoritism is rampant and policy is manipulated. We are now union brothers and sisters. We can fight for a fair contract and work with the company, so we all succeed!” 

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/02/2024 - 10:43

Black History Month: A Reading List

This Black History Month, we at the AFL-CIO want to recognize that Black history is not a separate history; it’s not a single month. Black history is also America’s history, and it’s America’s labor history, too.

Black workers have always been a crucial part of the fight for justice in the labor movement, from helping to organize the meatpacking industry to the Pullman strike to the sanitation workers striking in Memphis, Tennessee. 

So this month, we celebrate great labor leaders like A. Philip Randolph, Hattie Canty, Bayard Rustin, Arlene Holt Baker and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who won historic victories for Black working people.  

But Black history is not just the past—it’s also the present. It’s also Black joy. It’s a celebration of culture and community. It’s coming together to fight for freedom and justice. 

That’s why we’ll be celebrating a new generation of Black labor leaders and activists as well, featuring workers from across the country. And it’s why labor will always be on the front lines of fighting against racism in the workplace and systemic racism and exploitation in our economic system. 

To that, our Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Department has put together a list of recommended reading for the month—and we’re making it easy for you to support Black authors and to buy union-made. We’ve sourced each book and linked to some union bookstore choices where you can order it online. 

• South to America - Imani Perry
• Until I Am Free: Fannie Lou Hamer's Enduring Message to America - Keisha Blain
• Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter - Therese Taylor-Stinson
• You Mean It or You Don't: James Baldwin's Radical Challenge - Jamie McGhee and Adam Hollowell
• Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class - Blair Kelley Ph.D
• Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow - Henry Louis Gates Jr.
• To Shape a New World: Essays on the Political Philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr. - Edited by Tommie Shelby and Brandon M. Terry
• The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration - Isabel Wilkerson

Please join the AFL-CIO in a month of lifting Black history and culture: reading, celebrating, scholarship, conversation and much more. 

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/01/2024 - 14:01

Black History Month Profiles: Shamaiah Turner

This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Shamaiah Turner of SMART.

Since getting her start in construction as an 18-year-old AmeriCorps volunteer building houses with Habitat for Humanity, Shamaiah Turner has hit the ground running. She joined the union sheet metal industry in 2012 as a SMART Local 17 member after graduating from the Building Pathways pre-apprenticeship program in Boston, and eventually worked as a sub-foreman on various projects and created and chaired the Local 17 Women’s Committee. Currently, Turner is the chair for the SMART International Women’s Committee, a trustee on the SMART Recruitment and Retention Council and a Business Development Representative for the SMART Northeast Regional Council.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/01/2024 - 11:01

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Avatar VFX Workers Vote to Organize

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Visual effects (VFX) artists who work on James Cameron’s "Avatar" movies voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). These workers include creatures costume leads, environment artists and workers in the stage, environments, render, post viz, sequence, turn over and kabuki departments. The unit doesn't include workers at contracted vendors who create VFX for "Avatar," such as those who work at Weta FX.

“I could not be more proud of my fellow visual effects workers on the 'Avatar' sequels for standing together to secure our right to collectively bargain for more equitable compensation and benefits,” post vis coordinator Patrick DeVaney said in a statement.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/01/2024 - 09:57

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wellesley Non-Tenure-Track Faculty and Postdoctoral Scholars Win Union

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Faculty on term appointments, instructors in science laboratories and postdoctoral scholars at Wellesley College in Massachusetts voted by an overwhelming majority to form the Wellesley Organized Academic Workers-UAW. The unit will represent approximately 125 workers.

“The non-tenure-track faculty teach 40% of the classes at Wellesley and the vast majority of us identify as women. Yet our salaries are too low to live independently in the Boston area,” said Erin Battat, a lecturer in the writing program. “I look forward to negotiating a strong contract that reflects Wellesley's core values of gender equality and being a community in which each member thrives. Together we'll make Wellesley a better place to teach, learn, and grow.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/31/2024 - 10:22

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: United Campus Workers of Virginia Lobby at State Capitol

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Last week, members United Campus Workers of Virginia (UCWVA), Local 2265 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), participated Lobby Day at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. The members lobbied to secure collective bargaining for university workers and Child Care for All, a program designed to achieve universal pre-K child care, staffed by workers paid a living wage, for every campus worker in Virginia. The UCWVA members also held a rally on the Capitol grounds.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/29/2024 - 09:46

A Sense of Urgency: The Working People Weekly List

Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.

Journalists at New York Daily News Walk Off Job for a Day: “Journalists at The New York Daily News walked off the job on Thursday for the first time in more than three decades. Newsroom workers at The Daily News Union, which formed in 2021, are in negotiations for their first contract. The union called a one-day work stoppage to protest staffing cuts, as well as a new policy that requires workers to get advance approval for overtime.”

Forbes Union Stages 3-Day Work Stoppage in Protest of Stalled Negotiations: “According to the guild, Forbes staffers have been fighting for two years for a 'first contract, only to be met with tired, union-busting tactics by Forbes management.' On Thursday, the NewsGuild of New York filed an unfair labor practice charge on behalf of the Forbes Union, 'or the company’s interference with protected union activity, discrimination based on protected union activity, and refusing to bargain in good faith.'”

Trulieve Magnolia Employees Unionize in First-Ever Election for Arizona Cannabis Agriculture Workers: “On Thursday, January 25, workers at the Trulieve Cannabis Corp central Phoenix production facility voted 37-4 in favor of unionizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 99. The successful union election at Trulieve Magnolia is the first for Arizona agricultural workers in the cannabis industry, and only the second-ever union election to be administered by the Arizona Agricultural Labor Relations Board (AERB). Established in 1993, the AERB’s statutes are patterned after the National Labor Relations Act, which specifically excludes agricultural workers from its jurisdiction. The last and only time workers petitioned for union recognition through the board was in the year 2000 when workers at the Eurofresh tomato hothouse in Willcox voted to join UFCW Local 99.”

700 Culinary Union Workers at Strat Reach Deal: “Culinary Local 226 members at a north Strip casino reached a tentative agreement with employers, the union announced late Tuesday. The hospitality union representing about 700 employees at The Strat negotiated a five-year deal with improvements on wages, work quotas, protections from technology and more.”

Group of Seaport Hotel Workers Vote to Join Union After Months of Uncertainty: “A subset of workers at a hotel in the Seaport won a long-fought union vote last week, a conclusion to a year-long struggle after more than half of the workers lost their benefits. The Banquets and Convention Services department, composed of about 60 workers, at the Seaport Hotel Boston voted to join UNITE HERE Local 26 six months after they filed for an election, the union said.”

The Texas Tribune Is Unionizing: “Just under six months after the Texas Tribune weathered its first-ever round of layoffs, staff announced this morning that they are unionizing with the NewsGuild-CWA and asking for voluntary recognition from management by January 31. CEO Sonal Shah sent an email to staff 15 minutes after management was made aware of the union, writing, 'Our response is simple. If Tribune employees want to be represented by a union, we will respect their right to representation… We respect our colleagues’ right to collectively bargain.' Talk of unionizing began when management alluded to budget shortfalls in the spring of 2023, but it was the layoffs that 'created a sense of urgency to mobilize across the newsroom,' says Uriel García, an immigration reporter based in El Paso. Those layoffs, which affected 11% of the staff, were shocking—particularly the decision to fire the Tribune’s only dedicated criminal justice and demographic reporters. Many journalists were frustrated by the lack of explanation from management about the rationale behind the cuts.”

Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Recruiting Apprentices In the HV: “The local Plumbers & Steamfitters union will conduct a brief recruitment drive from Feb. 20 through March 4 for 20 plumber and steamfitter apprentices and five refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentices in four Hudson Valley counties. Applications must be obtained in person and filled out at Local Union #21, which is located at 1024 McKinley Street in Peekskill.”

Condé Nast Union Workers Walk Out Following Layoff Announcement: “Roughly 400 members of the unionized staff at several Condé Nast brands, including Vogue, GQ and Vanity Fair, are walking off the job Tuesday in New York City, the NewsGuild of New York said.”

Hollywood Unions Show Solidarity as American Federation of Musicians Enters Negotiations with AMPTP: “The Hollywood unions are throwing their support behind the American Federation of Musicians as it begins its contract negotiations with the studios. The AFM entered into negotiations with the AMPTP for its new collective bargaining agreement on Monday, fighting for many of the same things the WGA and SAG-AFTRA did during last year’s dual strikes, including AI protections, increased wages, and improved streaming residuals.”

The ‘Year of Labor’ in 2023 Was Just the Beginning: “When people ask me why the Labor Movement just had its most dynamic and successful year in a generation, I tell them about workers like Alicia—people whose lives changed because they stood together with their co-workers. For all the talk about macro trends and economic factors, the driving force behind the 'Year of Labor' was simple: Being in a union makes your life better. We’re in a moment of profound uncertainty and disillusionment across this country. Americans are fed up with politicians, institutions and the status quo. Approval ratings for Congress and most major institutions have plummeted to well below 50%. The Labor Movement is the one exception. Polling shows 71% of Americans believe in unions—more than two-thirds of people in this country, the highest number in the past 60 years. Unions are where people seem to have increasingly placed their hopes, their dreams and their aspirations for a better future.”

What Labor Advocates Want from AI Policy: “Ask AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler what she wants from the federal government on artificial intelligence, and her first answer isn’t a surprise: Strengthen collective bargaining rights, like, generally. 'Through every industrial revolution, labor has been the force that has harnessed the technology and channeled it in a way that’s productive and safe,' Shuler said in an interview this month, speaking from a summit alongside the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. But Shuler is also laying out some more specific asks. For one: She’s lasering in regulations and investments related to training workers for jobs in the event of displacement.”

Feb. 2 Strike Deadline: Las Vegas Hospitality Union Works on New Contracts: “Ahead of their Feb. 2 strike deadline, the Culinary Union has reached tentative deals with two properties. On Saturday, the union negotiated a tentative agreement with Westgate for 1,000 employees. 'I’m really happy that we got this contract. I’m excited that the working people of Las Vegas are going to get the money they need to live fruitful lives,' said Brian Torres, a food runner for Westgate, in a written statement.”

L.A. Times Guild Calls for Strike as Owner Warns of Layoffs: “Union leaders at the Los Angeles Times have called for a one-day, multi-city walkout Friday following news that the esteemed newspaper will see dramatic staff cuts due to a widening budget deficit. According to the Times, the single-day strike would be the first in the paper’s 142-year history. The decision comes following news that Patrick Soon-Shiong, the publication’s owner, intended to trim the paper’s staff to address a budget deficit, with the Times reporting cuts could be as deep as 20% or the equivalent of at least 100 journalists.”

Unionized ‘Ridiculousness’ Staffers Leaflet Production In Effort to Start Negotiating First Contract: “Early on Friday morning, 10 unionized creative consultants on the MTV comedy show Ridiculousness distributed leaflets at the show’s production location in Van Nuys in an effort to start negotiating a first contract. The staffers unionized with the Writers Guild of America West after a National Labor Relations Board vote in September, but according to the WGA West, the production has yet to respond to their attempts to begin negotiating a contract. 'We are fighting for a fair contract with improved compensation and benefits for the 336 episodes of Ridiculousness we help to create annually,' the leaflets handed out on Friday state. 'We are currently compensated at a rate well below our peers writing for WGA-covered shows like Ridiculousness. While our workloads have increased substantially, our compensation has been stagnant.­­'”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/26/2024 - 11:17

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NewsGuild Reaches Two-Year Agreement with Indianapolis Star

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Members of the Indianapolis NewsGuild (an affiliate of The NewsGuild-CWA) who work as reporters and photographers reached a two-year agreement with The Indianapolis Star. The contract includes salary increases and other benefits.

"We're thrilled to have reached an agreement after more than three years at the table. The biggest win is our economics package, which will benefit every member of our bargaining unit," said Jenna Watson, president of TNG-CWA Local 34070 and a veteran photographer for the newspaper.  

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/26/2024 - 10:29

Worker Wins: Fighting for Worker Power

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. 

New York Uber, Lyft Drivers to Receive Big Payouts from Historic AG Settlement: New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with Uber and Lyft to recover $328 million in wages stolen from Uber and Lyft drivers in New York based on the complaint filed by the National Taxi Workers Alliance (NTWA). This case is the largest wage-theft back pay settlement in the history of the New York attorney general’s office. The NTWA first went to the office in 2015, but says it only took action under James’ leadership. Uber and Lyft had been withholding drivers’ wages as sales taxes and black car fund fees, cheating these workers out of their hard-earned income and preventing them from receiving valuable benefits available under New York labor laws. Additionally, under the settlements, Uber and Lyft have agreed to an “earnings floor,” guaranteeing drivers across the state are paid a minimum rate, from dispatch to completion of the ride, paid sick leave, proper hiring and earnings notices, and other improvements to working conditions.Nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center Vote to Unionize: Registered nurses (RNs) at Northern Maine Medical Center (NMMC) in Fort Kent, Maine, voted on Jan. 17 to join Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Nearly two-thirds voted in favor of unionizing after filing the petition to organize late last year. Their core concerns include staffing and retention issues and nurses feeling as though they lack a say in the hospital policies that directly impact them and their patients. These concerns are all too common at nonunion hospitals around the country. The American Nurses Foundation released a study in 2022 that reported that nine out of 10 nurses surveyed believe their facilities are short-staffed. “Developing a solid union contract is what we have to do. A contract with staffing grids and ratios in place. That’s the big key to improving patient safety and working conditions for us,” NMMC RN Abby Pelletier said.Workers at News Site San Antonio Report Vote to Organize: San Antonio Report’s staff publicly announced on Tuesday that they are joining Media Guild of the West (a local of The NewsGuild-CWA) in order to secure better pay, job security and policies that will protect their journalistic integrity. With 100% support from all union-eligible employees at the local nonprofit news outlet, this decision was partly informed by witnessing staffing- and budget-related issues at similar publications. About five months ago, The Texas Tribune, one of Texas’ most visible nonprofit news websites for politics and public policy, announced it was laying off 10% of its staff after failing to hit revenue goals. "A Union is the best way—as part of our inevitable evolution—to codify the progress we’ve made and sustain our journalism for the future," said Iris Dimmick, a senior reporter for the San Antonio Report.Tentative Agreement with University of Oregon Averts Graduate Worker Strike: The Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—representing graduate workers at the University of Oregon (UO), announced on Monday it had reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The agreement comes after 10 months of contract negotiations between GTFF and the university, averting a large-scale strike that was slated to begin this week. The deal increases the minimum salary floor for graduate workers, provides more summer employment opportunities, improves child care resources and more. “We hope and expect that our members will be eager to ratify this historic contract, and we look forward to continuing to fight for worker power on our campus—as well as celebrating the powerful changes we have pushed forward at this institution already,” the bargaining team said in a statement released on Monday.Missouri Adopts CWA Labor Standards for $1.7B Broadband Expansion Program: Thanks to the local organizing work of Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 6’s Broadband Brigade, Missouri has adopted CWA’s proposed labor standards, which will create good union telecommunications jobs as broadband access expands throughout the state. Missouri received more than $1.7 billion in federal funding for its Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to expand high-speed internet access to underserved communities through President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law. CWA’s labor standards include prioritizing telecom companies that use a directly employed workforce (not subcontractors), that hire locally, and that use training/apprenticeship programs to recruit and train a highly skilled workforce.Supreme Court Rejects Alaska’s Attack on Public Unions: On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy's attempt to undermine and weaken unions that represent state workers. In 2019, Dunleavy issued an order preventing public sector unions from automatically collecting union dues, rehashing the same argument that it infringes on free speech. ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, which represents workers who keep the state’s government agencies functioning, sued over this union-busting activity and won. Lower courts in Alaska then overturned the policy and now the highest court in the country has refused to hear the state’s appeal. This failure is the latest attempt by anti-worker groups to extend the Supreme Court’s 2018 Janus v. AFSCME ruling.Wells Fargo Workers in Florida Win Union Election: Bankers and tellers at a Wells Fargo branch in Daytona Beach, Florida, voted last week to join the Communications Workers of America’s (CWA’s) Wells Fargo Workers United. This is the second-ever successful election at the megabank. Momentum around organizing Wells Fargo branches is building quickly across the country. Just weeks ago staff at a branch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, became the first to win a union election, and workers in Wilmington, Delaware, filed for a union election soon after. Despite Wells Fargo’s anti-union attacks, these workers are fighting to secure a meaningful voice on the job to improve conditions for themselves and their customers.

 

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/25/2024 - 10:19

Tags: Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Health Care Workers in Virginia Ratify a Strong New Contract

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

More than 100 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 who work at Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehab and Elizabeth House Assisted Living in Glen Allen, Virginia, ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits. The two facilities are owned by Trio Healthcare. The three-year contract includes wage increases averaging 13% in the first year and 17% over the life of the agreement. The contract also includes an additional flexible holiday, improved arbitration procedures and other benefits.

“This was awesome, one of the best contracts we’ve ever had,” said Druscilla Mitchell, a Local 400 shop steward and certified nursing assistant. “We got a lot of people signed up as Local 400 members and that made a huge difference in bargaining. Everyone is pleased with the raises, the extra personal day and the other improvements we got. Union is the way to go!”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/25/2024 - 09:54

Union Momentum Remains Strong: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.

Actors' Equity:

Last month, four swings came together to discuss the highs and lows of swinging, how their place in the theatre has evolved and what the industry can do to better support swings – and strengthen their productions in the process. Visit the portal for more - https://t.co/nhsNGNlxAZ pic.twitter.com/qQDeQfkgpH

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 21, 2024

AFGE:

Federal workers have been organizing like crazy this past year, adding tens of thousands of members, growing our ranks, and building the next generation of worker power.

🧵Here’s how we did it: pic.twitter.com/6DiVE2V049

— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 23, 2024

AFSCME:

As union momentum remains strong, the need to organize more workers is clear. The annual federal report on union strength shows a slight decline in the membership rate. https://t.co/bCydoOvycu

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 23, 2024

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Social Security is an essential earned benefit that older Americans have paid into with each paycheck.

A "fiscal commission" will shield politicians so they can cut benefits without public oversight. https://t.co/FZKugV7ac9

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 23, 2024

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Elections have consequences and politics matter for our jobs, our Union, our communities, and our families. 2024 is an important year with a Presidential election that will be critical to our future. ATU U.S. members contribute to ATU-COPE today at https://t.co/CXMiablsVV! pic.twitter.com/BjhIf5uJ0g

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 23, 2024

American Federation of Musicians:

AFM’s president and chief negotiator Tino Gagliardi told CNN the union “is going to be prepared to do whatever it needs to get what we have to have, in order to make the lives of musicians better.”https://t.co/yCIdrwkipP pic.twitter.com/EBuxyRHbs9

— AFM (@The_AFM) January 21, 2024

American Federation of Teachers:

The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint will build a pipeline of workers for good union jobs, using resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, #CHIPSAct & American Rescue Plan, and includes partnerships with unions, businesses, and government.https://t.co/JUzWDJ1r4O

— AFT (@AFTunion) January 24, 2024

American Postal Workers Union:

If partnered with the Federal Reserve, the postal service could expand banking access to everyone in the country. But a new piece of legislation is trying to block the opportunity. Read more: https://t.co/aOQ3UVf1n7

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 21, 2024

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

In announcing their campaign, Breeze Flight Attendants cited issues with constantly-changing work rules, drastically substandard pay for time on the job, hotel accommodations, insufficient work hours, and disrespectful treatment from management. https://t.co/iT9fXlUN5d

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 22, 2024

Boilermakers:

Tuesday Newsday: James Hall, president of L-19 (Philadelphia), was among four union leaders honored during the Philadelphia APRI chapter's annual awards dinner for furthering APRI's work in advocating for workers' rights and civil rights. Read more ➡️ https://t.co/JoNB3cqFpl pic.twitter.com/3QLzZ01r7p

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 23, 2024

Bricklayers:

BAC and @imiweb representing at #worldofconcrete2024 pic.twitter.com/8HPIRdoozU

— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 23, 2024

Communications Workers of America:

Greed is destroying our newspapers. Shame on @PittsburghPG. https://t.co/8Bf60Aj2qT

— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 23, 2024

Department for Professional Employees:

We've released our annual union professional organizing recap for 2023 which shows how DPE affiliates contributed to the 185,000 member growth of professionals in the labor movement. #1u https://t.co/EOcSgHClu5

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 23, 2024

Electrical Workers:

What's your #IBEW story? https://t.co/FUnL7ouwdO pic.twitter.com/1eTNIAjQo4

— IBEW (@IBEW) January 23, 2024

Heat and Frost Insulators:

Local 39 Omaha members recently participated in a Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.’s) Day bowling event fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who participated and raised funds for this important cause. pic.twitter.com/Kqd89thoez

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 23, 2024

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

The overturning of #RoeVWade has a disproportionate impact on Latinas and women of color. At LCLAA, in the 51st Anniversary of a milestone decision, we stand strong defending reproductive justice for women. 
Read our statement here: https://t.co/RBG5lSyNta pic.twitter.com/VzMz2aRQbF

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 22, 2024

Laborers:

Together, we build strength. WE ARE LIUNA – a union of hardworking individuals dedicated to shaping a better future. #FeelthePower

Are you #IntheKnow? 

WATCH NOW: "We Are LIUNA" pic.twitter.com/ka7dGFAZ2w

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 22, 2024

Machinists:

IAM President @IAMBrianBryant and leadership joins labor allies for meeting with @GovLauraKelly today in Topeka, KS, to discuss how to move the governor’s pro-worker agenda forward. pic.twitter.com/KNlMTH3fRY

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 24, 2024

Maritime Trades Department:

Maritime labor groups thank military for protecting commercial shipping, urge continued vigilance.@TTDAFLCIO @SeafarersUnion @MMP_Union @MEBAUNION @marine_firemen @US_TRANSCOM https://t.co/95WRDP5zOD

— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) January 22, 2024

Mine Workers:

“I do not understand why any government official would oppose safeguarding the health and safety of miners. .....it is crucial to have a majority on the commission that cares about workers and their safety first, not corporate profits.” @CecilRoberts https://t.co/uxYfoByEvD

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) January 24, 2024

Musical Artists:

AGMA Announces Unanimous Union Victory for Dancers of Ballet Austin: https://t.co/UREYLPyyIC pic.twitter.com/KyMelH8F4c

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 19, 2024

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

Every year, NATCA offers a scholarship program for spouses and children of active, retired, and deceased members in good standing. Danielle Strebel, the child of Elias Strebel (Houston Center, ZHU) is among this year’s scholarship winners. https://t.co/3vnHXVGsJG pic.twitter.com/KLcVAXoDAi

— NATCA (@NATCA) January 24, 2024

National Association of Letter Carriers:

OPM’s unfair valuation of Postal Pension Fund obligations has resulted in a loss of over $90 billion. Let’s stop the raid on Postal Pension funds. Click here for more info: https://t.co/pGC46a1mFP pic.twitter.com/pDAyPRl5vH

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 23, 2024

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Domestic workers from across the country turned out this weekend to see @ava’s @ORIGINTheMovie! 

The film is and incredible and insightful look into the experience of racism in America, and a necessary story to see reflected on screen. #Mvt4Origin #Movement4Origin @ARRAYNow pic.twitter.com/21wCOvFRZo

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 23, 2024

National Federation of Federal Employees:

Last week, NFFE finalized a partnership with @jkbootsusa to offer all union members a 15% discount on their collection of fire boots. Read our story for more info: https://t.co/aKBv1BgStN

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) January 23, 2024

National Nurses United:

🚨BIG NEWS!🚨 A @CDCgov advisory committee was planning to weaken infection control guidance, but has altered its course — thanks to months of tireless nurse advocacy!

Here are the latest updates and why this is such a BFD. 👇🧵 (1/8)

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 24, 2024

North America's Building Trades Unions:

#BuildingTrades recruitment for the Brightline West rail project connecting Vegas to Southern Cali is about to ramp up! 👀

"It’s just like football: everybody has their position to play. We all work together to bring home the win.” - @SNBTU1960.https://t.co/kGhwDDHbqH

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 22, 2024

Office and Professional Employees:

NOW: Nurses at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Hawai’i are on ULP STRIKE!

The nurses, members of Hawai’i Nurses’ Association/OPEIU Local 50, are demanding an end to the unsafe staffing crisis. pic.twitter.com/JXsu4XnZ5G

— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 21, 2024

Painters and Allied Trades:

We are celebrating our fantastic Glazing Apprentices at DC36 / LU636! Hats off for their incredible efforts, and we're eagerly anticipating the moment they walk the graduation stage. pic.twitter.com/ZSLdsJxFoU

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 23, 2024

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

“The benefits of union construction jobs are almost too great to calculate. Local workers are paid a fair & liveable wage with which they can support a family. Those wages then re-circulate throughout the local economy.” @Mass_BTU Pres. Frank Callahanhttps://t.co/QgnPcRqMh9

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 20, 2024

Pride At Work:

Hearing from @unitehere on “How to tell your story for organizing” at the FIRST ever Labor Institute at @TheTaskForce Creating Change Conference. #1upride #1u #unitehere @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/0JGZD2OMyR

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) January 19, 2024

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

What is a union authorization card? Workers sign these cards to indicate that they want to unionize. Once a majority signs union cards, an employer may voluntarily recognize the union. If they refuse to do so, an NLRB election will be set. https://t.co/tKHYkzUU8n #Unions101 pic.twitter.com/Kbqr3Uk63i

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 23, 2024

Roofers and Waterproofers:

Falls are preventable! https://t.co/yxaaxjxN8V has a number of resources to help you prevent falls, including videos and webinars on a variety of fall-related topics. To view the collection, visit: https://t.co/T2ZVKn1QZd #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/WcN39q7Xoq

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 22, 2024

SAG-AFTRA:

The @SAGawards are just around the corner! 🤩 Check out the special digital issue of the SAG-AFTRA magazine to see how we (and some of your fave actors!) kicked off #AwardsSeason with the inaugural #SagAwards Season Celebration: https://t.co/F8TLPMGxde pic.twitter.com/MxhzAdRSuc

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 24, 2024

Seafarers:

Long but worth it:

What Trade Studies Has Cato Done, Who Was Mr. Stiefel & Who Funds Cato’s Jones Act Attacks? by John D. McCown https://t.co/sMs9wTnVFm #JonesAct #Maritime

— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) January 18, 2024

Solidarity Center:

Our yearlong labor organizing and apprenticeship Union School in #Mexico graduated its first class of #labororganizers, with 28 students from diverse backgrounds. pic.twitter.com/roBPOnpY37

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 18, 2024

The NewsGuild-CWA:

In a major win for Texas journalism, workers are forming a union at the Texas Tribune! https://t.co/WlHXqxXxvt

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 24, 2024

Theatrical Stage Employees:

BREAKING: 6 New International Executive Board Members, One Trustee Elected to Serve Members.

Newly elected VP's Carlos Cota, Vanessa Holtgrewe, Carl Mulert, Apple Thorne, Toni Burns, & Chris O’Donnell are among the most accomplished & respected labor leaders in our union. pic.twitter.com/qbDnnzd6uf

— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 22, 2024

Transport Workers Union:

Good News from @twulocal320 @transportworker @TwuSamuelsen pic.twitter.com/tzPgYX8ejs

— TWU (@transportworker) January 23, 2024

Transportation Trades Department:

At @TTDAFLCIO we proudly represent 37 labor unions & millions of transportation workers. Follow our #TransportationTuesday series to meet the union leaders on the TTD Executive Committee.

First up: @afa_cwa President Sara Nelson, who represents nearly 50,000 flight attendants! pic.twitter.com/0vYwrKNyzT

— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 23, 2024

UAW:

UAW 2024 National CAP Conference 1/24/24 https://t.co/1lzqzFJLw3

— UAW (@UAW) January 24, 2024

UNITE HERE:

"Richmond council declares boycott on hotel behind picket lines": https://t.co/fL1xGn0gV5@TheRichmondNews @SheratonYVR #livingwage #canlab #bclab #cdnpoli #bcpoli #vanpoli #canada #britishcolumbia #richmondbc #vancouver #yvr #solidarity #strike #boycott #union

— Unite Here Local 40 (@UniteHere40) January 17, 2024

United Food and Commercial Workers:

Have a contentious relationship with technology? We are here to help!

UFCW offers a computer essentials course that can help you achieve your goals & advance your skills.

Seats are limited - Register now! 

Learn more: https://t.co/iGpoPznmEM pic.twitter.com/3jTgHdLQ3R

— UFCW (@UFCW) January 23, 2024

United Steelworkers:

Merit Aluminum CEO/Pres Mike Rapport responded to workers unionizing by hiring anti-union lawyers & fighting against basic rights 👎 Sign our petition to show solidarity as workers at Merit continue to fight for a 1st contract: https://t.co/weQ0LH0xZV.

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 21, 2024

Utility Workers:

UWUA VP Craig Pinkham recently traveled with a diverse labor delegation to see two European projects focused on hydrogen as an energy source. The tour was an opportunity to see how hydrogen might evolve in the United States under the H2Hubs program.https://t.co/noZ0jiuJLB pic.twitter.com/dPcyLjqIvc

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 23, 2024

Writers Guild of America, East:

Fair contract for @RingerUnion! #1u https://t.co/0Y5uOXz3Dj

— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 24, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:00

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Support a Fair Contract for WGAE Members at Onion Inc.

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Please participate in this action from the Writers Guild of America East:

"At contract negotiations on Thursday, January 11, WGAE members at Onion, Inc. presented G/O Media—Onion, Inc.'s parent company—with a strike pledge signed by 97% of the bargaining unit.

"The message of the pledge was clear: if they do not reach a fair deal before their current contract expires on January 31, the workers at Onion, Inc. are prepared to strike.

"Please take a moment to show your support for the Onion Union—the 34-member unit that comprises the creative staff at The Onion, The A.V. Club, Deadspin, and The Takeout—by sending a letter to executives at G/O Media urging them to agree to a fair contract by before January 31."

Click here to write a letter to G/O Media.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:28

Strikes Work: In the States Roundup

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).

Alaska AFL-CIO:

Fred Meyer West Fairbanks is one of the most profitable stores in the company's portfolio, and these workers deserve a raise and benefits. 

Stand with these workers and tell Fred Meyer to bargain a fair contract!https://t.co/F55zXxopXY

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 23, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Strikes WORK! 🥳✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 https://t.co/dqUO2tWIY1

— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) January 23, 2024

Colorado AFL-CIO:

Labor Exchange - Tune In Tonight (1/22) at 6:00 PM on KGNU 88.5FM 1390AM! 📻
Listen here: https://t.co/kHfRxHER02 Don't miss it! After it airs, listen here: https://t.co/pg77DTf9Gj

We're talking about the Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School with Joe Maloney & Aspen Cyr pic.twitter.com/HsYmB83V7r

— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) January 22, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

Anti-working family lawmakers in Florida are quickly mobilizing to pass devastating legislation that would roll back critical labor protections and put childrens’ lives at risk.

Call your state legislators here: https://t.co/awtxsLQDMl pic.twitter.com/ZFGSMHRCJ2

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 22, 2024

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

Born in Atl. on Jan. 30, 1961, he was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, where his father served his first pastorate. He was the second-born son of Dr. and Mrs. King and is only seven years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. pic.twitter.com/k7ZWUXAWqe

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) January 23, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

On the 51st anniversary of #RoeVWade, a reminder that unions can bargain for reproductive rights.

Visit @AFLCIO for model contract collective bargaining agreement language. pic.twitter.com/jkRLYCtB1R

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 22, 2024

Indiana State AFL-CIO:

Looks like the General Assembly is serious about child labor law rollbacks this session...we CANNOT afford to go backwards! https://t.co/IcOD95hjux

— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 18, 2024

Maine AFL-CIO:

USW members at the state’s paper mills have been putting positive pressure on their employers through Senate President Troy Jackson’s legislation, LD 1794, that would place limits on forced overtime in the paper industry!https://t.co/cbQxwJ5GZC #mepolitics

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 23, 2024

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

One day longer, one day stronger! https://t.co/Ano7oCf58D pic.twitter.com/8EogjIQReL

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 19, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Brainerd Lakes Essential Grocery Store Workers Reject Employer Offers for Second Time at Cub Foods, SuperValu, Super One Foods https://t.co/xUame5AR8J #1u @UFCW663

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 22, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Winter months can be hard for many. There is hope. When you connect with the #988Lifeline, there is always someone to talk to. You are not alone. Your #mentalhealth matters. #YouMatter If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat https://t.co/iGsbwE0wNF. pic.twitter.com/qWAvMqEzND

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 21, 2024

Nebraska State AFL-CIO:

pic.twitter.com/JTU2B6LDwy

— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) January 18, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Happy Birthday to pro-labor champion, Assemblyman @ReubenDSilvaNV! 🎉 https://t.co/1jpiIEoJuh

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 23, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

Solidarity with our @condeunion family who walked out today. Shame on Condé Nast management for bargaining in bad-faith! https://t.co/LEZk0Mc2af

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) January 23, 2024

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

When our freedom to thrive and have a voice in our democracy is under attack, we need the courts to have our back. That's why we're proud to endorse Justice Allison Riggs for NC Supreme Court! Learn more at https://t.co/1siWNgL036. @AllisonJRiggs #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/65LIcAGrKl

— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 23, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Great night with the #dayton-Miami Valley @AFLCIO Labor Council as we trained nearly 40 activists who are ready to collect signatures for the @CitizenMapsOH campaign to finally end #gerrymandering in #ohio pic.twitter.com/T0EMMcyuQq

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 23, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Whenever workers take up picket signs and strike it’s critical we come to their aid to help them win. 

Sharing our struggles unites the working class and brings us greater strength. #UnionStrong #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/tD2Jvd5Hx4

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 23, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Good for unions. Good for District 140. The PA AFL-CIO is proud to support @jimfor140 and encourages all members to vote in the February 13th special election. #District140 #SpecialElection #PAAFLCIO #PowerToThePeople #1u #YearOfTheWorker pic.twitter.com/8MSZozvlLI

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 20, 2024

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to @RISpeaker Shekarchi, @CortneyNic, Director Alviti and our own Pat Crowley for being recognized as part of the top ten influential list https://t.co/NDZScNAoLj

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) January 19, 2024

Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:

🚨ACTION ALERT! With funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) potentially running out by April, our @CWAUnion family needs our help. Tell lawmakers to pass the bipartisan ACP Extension Act to support good jobs & keep families connected to high-speed broadband! #1u pic.twitter.com/pdaqKoa6z7

— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) January 23, 2024

Texas AFL-CIO:

A staggering 633 teachers have resigned from Houston ISD from August to January.

That’s nearly double from the previous school year.

Why? The state-appointed school board & leadership kneecapped teachers’ autonomy in the classroom and created a culture of “fear & intimidation.”

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 22, 2024

Virginia AFL-CIO:

🔥🔥 🗣️Say it louder for the people in the back @SenLouiseLucas ‼️ https://t.co/YkywPHNReY

— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 19, 2024

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Shoutout @senjoenguyen for introducing a bill to allow public employees to sign union cards digitally.
Removing logistical barriers to organizing isn't flashy policy, but it is absolutely essential. Thank you, Senator! #WAleghttps://t.co/VRuN9wicjH pic.twitter.com/V9wDOz9rng

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 18, 2024

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Take Action to Protect Licensing in Wisconsin https://t.co/jI6h45LboH

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) January 18, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/23/2024 - 11:11

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Politico and E&E News Staffers Win First Contract

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Politico and E&E News reached a tentative agreement for their first-ever union contract and are seeking to form The PEN Guild after 20 months of negotiations. The three-year contract includes higher pay that helps close inequities in the newsroom, layoff protections, enhanced protections against adoption of artificial intelligence and stronger benefits. The more than 270 members of PEN Guild, represented by The NewsGuild-CWA, must still vote to ratify the contract.

“We formed this union because our colleagues were overworked, underpaid and lacked basic protections,” said unit chair Tanya Snyder, a transportation reporter for Politico Pro. “This contract will benefit our journalists and lead to a healthier, stronger newsroom.” 

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/23/2024 - 09:57

AFL-CIO: Reproductive Rights Are Worker Rights

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement on the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision: 

Equal access to contraception and reproductive health care, regardless of where someone works or lives, is essential to workers’ fundamental freedoms and economic security. The 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision is a solemn reminder that reproductive health care rights are also worker rights. 

No one should feel like their doors of opportunity are slammed shut based on their pregnancy status. No one should worry about losing their paycheck or job to travel hundreds of miles to see a doctor. And no one should have their collectively bargained health care benefits infringed upon by laws that criminalize doctors and their patients.

Unions will continue to fight to level the playing field for low-income workers and workers of color who bear the brunt of policies that make it harder to access health care, family and medical leave, universal high-quality child care, food assistance, housing and other critical programs.

The AFL-CIO and its 12.5 million members are poised to vigorously defend our workers’ right to bargain for quality health care and the right to control our own bodies, and we will mobilize like never before ahead of the critical 2024 election to protect all the fundamental freedoms that matter to working people.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/22/2024 - 14:33